Emotional reunion as family thanks pharmacist who saved relative’s life

By Faiza Amin

Anil Virani is a pharmacist by trade, and after his quick thinking saved the life of a man, he can also add the title of hero to his resume.

During his Friday afternoon shift at the Rexall Pharma Plus on Kingston Road in Scarborough, he noticed a man had dropped to the ground in front of his counter, and began having a heart attack. Virani quickly sprang into action and began administrating CPR on the 67-year-old man.

“It was touch and go there for a while, it was a lot of heavy compressions,” he explained. “We did it for four or five minutes before emergency crews came, and it worked out OK.”

While Virani explained that he was just doing his job, Percy Mouck’s family said his actions were nothing short of heroic.

“If it wasn’t for him, we would be planning a funeral today, but we’re not. We’re celebrating that he’s still here with us,” said Carol Dusome, Mouck’s sister.

This isn’t the first time the two have met. Mouck and his family have been going to that pharmacy for the last 10 years, where Virani has been working there for the last five years.

Several of Mouck’s family members visited the store Sunday evening to thank Virani, and that reunion quickly turned emotional. The thank yous led to hugs and tears, as Mouck’s family showed their gratitude.

“You can’t put it into words, because if it wasn’t for him, [Mouck] wouldn’t be here,” said Marlene MacDonald, Percy’s niece.”

Mouck is now recovering in hospital, where he will be getting a pacemaker and defibrillator.

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